The election of Cardinal Robert of Geneva as Pope Clement VII in 1378 marked the onset of the Western Schism, a critical period of division within the Roman Catholic Church. The conclave was convened following the death of Pope Urban VI, whose harsh reforms and aggressive demeanor had alienated many cardinals. In a move prompted by dissatisfaction with Urban, a group of cardinals lodged their protest and sought to elect a new pope more in line with their preferences. The election culminated in the selection of Robert of Geneva, a candidate who embodied a more conciliatory approach that favored a return to Avignon, where several popes had resided prior to the return to Rome.Clement VII's papacy ignited immediate controversy as Urban VI refused to recognize the new pope's legitimacy, leading to a schism that divided Western Christendom. Urban VI continued his papacy in Rome, while Clement VII established his court in Avignon, each gaining the support of different political factions within Europe. Major kingdoms, including France and England, aligned themselves with one of the two popes, further complicating the sovereign and ecclesiastical landscape of Europe. The schism extended for several decades, with various popes and antipopes arising in succession, reflecting the ongoing struggle for authority and legitimacy within the church.This division had profound implications, not only for the church's unity but also for the socio-political dynamics of medieval Europe. Multiple rival claims to the papacy led to fragmented loyalties among Christian kingdoms, intensifying regional tensions and altering alliances. The persistent schism also contributed to a profound questioning of papal authority, setting the stage for future reform movements and laying the groundwork for the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.